“I don't even know why they're bitching about me talking about contracts,” Ortiz told the Herald. “Guys putting up my numbers, they're making $25, $30 million. I'm not asking for that. I'm asking for half of it. And they're still bitching about it? (Expletive) them. I'm tired of hearing them talk (expletive) about me when I talk about my contract. Hey, every time I talk about my contract, I earn it, (expletive). So don't be giving me that (expletive).”

Ortiz, 38, is set to make $15 million in 2014 but will be a free agent at season's end. He hit .309 with a .959 OPS last season.

Since 2011, only three players have hit 80 homers while hitting at least .310 with a .950 OPS: Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Braun and Ortiz.